Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser
How to Use Minoxidil Correctly
A patient advice sheet — 8 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.
Last reviewed: July 2026
The advice
- Increased temporary shedding in weeks 2–8 is a sign the drug is WORKING (weak hairs are being replaced by stronger ones) — do not stop because of it; this is where most patients go wrong.
- Apply to a completely dry scalp (1 ml of solution, or half-a-palm of foam) on the thinning areas and spread with your fingertips.
- Wash your hands well afterwards, leave it at least 4 hours before wetting the hair, and no hot blow-drying right after applying.
- For women: avoid it dripping onto the face (can cause temporary fine hair); apply two hours before bedtime, not right as you lie down.
- Judge the result after 4–6 months of regular use; the peak effect takes about a full year.
- Continuing is the condition for keeping the result; stopping brings the shedding back gradually over months.
- Low-dose minoxidil tablets are an effective alternative if the topical bothers you — by prescription and medical follow-up only.
- Itching or flaking from the solution? Tell us — we can usually switch you to the propylene-glycol-free foam.
See also the full treatment page: Hair loss treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.
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